2017 FIVB VOLLEYBALL WORLD GRAND PRIX – GROUP 1
- Group 1 Final Six
- August 2nd-6th, 2017
- Nanjing, China
- FIVB World Grand Prix, Group Play of Final Six
- Schedule/Results
After faltering yesterday in five sets to Serbia, the U.S. Women’s National Team sits in a must-win position if they want any shot at making the semifinal round. Standing in front of them is Italy, who has been red hot in the Grand Prix of late, and even defeated Team USA in the previous encounter.
The Americans finished pool play at 6-3, as they were one of five teams at that mark – with Serbia on top at 7-2. The United States did record 19 points, which put them ahead of all the other six-win teams and in second place during pool play. They couldn’t overcome the top team yesterday as they lost in five sets. The bad news is that they’re 0-1, so a loss to Italy in their last Final Six pool match cements their elimination. On the bright side, a win in three or four sets also would clinch Team USA‘s spot in the semifinals.
Italy was another of the 6-3 cluster that made the Final Six, as they totaled 16 points and finished in the fifth-place spot. They began the tournament 0-2 though, and quickly turned things around to advance to this round as one of the hottest teams in the event. While USA and Serbia played yesterday, Italy got the day off with today being their first of two matches. A win would clinch their spot in the semifinals, while a loss makes things interesting – especially depending on how many sets it would go.
Either way, this match has monumental repercussions on who will make the semifinal round. It also serves as a rubber match of sorts, as the United States was part of Italy’s 0-2 start with a 3-0 win in each side’s second match; Italy got revenge though a week later with a five-set victory.
Watch the full live video below:
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